When the heat settles in and rain becomes unpredictable, watering the right way makes all the difference. It is not about how often you water, it is about how well you water. A thoughtful approach can keep your landscape healthy, resilient, and beautiful even during dry stretches.

Here are ten practical, easy to follow tips to help you water during times of drought, plus keep reading to find quick Watering Cheat Sheets to help you remember.

1. Water Deeply, Not Frequently

Instead of watering a little every day, focus on longer, deeper watering a few times a week.

For most plants, this looks like:
Watering 2 to 3 times per week, long enough for the soil to soak deeply rather than just wet the surface.

Deep watering encourages stronger roots and helps plants handle heat much better.

2. Lawns: Water to Survive, Not to Thrive

Lawns need less water than most people think. During long periods of no rain or times of drought when it’s more about survival, you can conserve water with this method.

Spray systems: 15 to 20 minutes, twice per week
Rotor systems: 45 to 60 minutes, twice per week

If your grass starts to look dull or footprints linger after walking across it, it is time to water. As long as you are not under water restrictions, your lawn will need more support during extreme heat. When temperatures reach the 90s and above, plan to provide about 1.5 inches of water per week, depending on humidity levels.

Lower humidity means water evaporates more quickly, so your lawn may need a little extra attention to stay healthy.

3. Shrubs Need Slow, Deep Watering

Shrubs benefit from slower watering that soaks down to the roots.

Hose watering: 1 to 2 minutes per shrub, once or twice per week
Soaker hose: 60 to 90 minutes, once per week

The goal is not speed, it is depth. Let the water soak in gradually.

4. Trees Need Even More Time

Trees require deeper watering than anything else in your landscape.

Hose watering: 2 to 4 minutes per tree, once per week, using a slow flow
Soaker hose: 1 to 2 hours, once per week

A slow soak around the root zone helps trees stay strong during dry weather.

5. Soaker Hoses Make Watering Easy

Soaker hoses are one of the most efficient ways to water beds and shrubs.

Run time: 45 to 90 minutes, once per week
In extreme heat: up to twice per week

Lay the hose around the plant, keeping it a few inches away from stems, and let it slowly do the work.

6. Containers Need Daily Attention

Pots dry out quickly, especially in summer.

Small pots: 10 to 20 seconds
Medium pots: 20 to 40 seconds
Large pots: 45 to 90 seconds

Water until you see it draining out the bottom. In hot weather, this usually means watering every day, sometimes twice.

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7. Hand Watering the Right Way

When using a hose, always use a gentle spray and take your time.

Quick watering leads to runoff. Slower watering allows moisture to soak in where it is actually needed.

8. Drip Irrigation for Consistency

Drip irrigation delivers water right to the root zone.

Run time: 20 to 45 minutes per session
Frequency: every 1 to 2 days in hot weather

This method keeps soil evenly moist without overwatering.

9. Water Early in the Morning

The best time to water is between 5 AM and 9 AM.

Morning watering reduces evaporation and gives plants time to dry out during the day, which helps prevent disease.
If you're wondering “Can I water my plants at night?” read this article.